A royally inspired lover of Kate Middleton who loves to talk about all things fashion, beauty and travel. Love dreaming BIG, and the perfect setting of Victorian, Georgian, Edwardian or Regency period novels, based in England. In search of the perfect "replikate".

Tag: interior design

If you want to bring in some stylistic changes into your home, the vintage style might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a very popular choice for people who don’t want to invest a ton of money into new designer furniture and extravagant art pieces.

In order to achieve a charming vintage look, you can simply visit your local flea market for some cheap finds and spice up the look with a few real antiques, and voila! If these instructions weren’t too clear, here’s a more detailed guide on how to achieve a vintage style home.

Maximize on wood

To achieve a perfect nostalgic feel in your home, wood is an absolute must. Forget about drywall and opt for wood planks all over your home (the ceiling too!). Wood’s warmth and character can’t be replicated with any other material. Opt for natural, locally sourced wood, and try to leave your beams exposed for a maximum effect. However, if your budget doesn’t allow you to go all-in with wood, you can place it on one wall or ceiling, and still reap the benefits of this timeless material.

Bring in salvaged materials

Salvaged and reclaimed materials carry a bunch of character, so don’t forget to introduce some of them into your home. Salvaged wood is an especially interesting flooring option (and much cheaper than the new thing). Leave all the wear and tear marks, as even old nail holes and stains tell an exciting story.

Go vintage with furniture

Any vintage style home can’t be designed without classic vintage furniture. And don’t worry about those tiny wear and tear marks. These scars add depth to the piece and show it has a rich history. However, if the fabric is too damaged or the color or pattern doesn’t appeal to you, you can always reupholster it and give it new life. It’s still cheaper and much more stylish than buying replicas.

Animal imagery

Animal imagery is another key element of any vintage design. Here we’re not talking about leopard prints of the 80s, but about charming birds, bunnies and foxes that peacefully roam the fields. They are super cute (and also quite hipsterish, if that’s your thing). You can incorporate these animal motifs into throw pillows, lamp shades, mugs or even wallpapers. However, don’t go overboard, otherwise, your home will end up looking like a zoo. You don’t need foxes on your wallpaper if you already have bunnies on your cushions.

Don’t forget your entrance

Your doors are just as important as any part of your home, so make sure to match them with your overall style. For instance, get a bunch of old flower pots and plant some red Geraniums to create a warm welcoming feel for all your house guests. You can also opt for herbs like rosemary or basil that will both look amazing and provide you with fresh cooking ingredients. And, of course, hang a wooden swing on your porch for relaxing and romantic evenings. Also, if you think your doors don’t match your desired style, you can replace them with something more stylish. Just take a look at some of these great options from Simply Doors and Windows and take your pick.

Create a tea lounge

There’s nothing more vintage than an old-fashioned tea party. So, designate one part of your home for tea at 5 and go shopping for some vintage teacups.

They come in any color, design and shape imaginable, but make sure you opt for an old-timey set.

Also, don’t bother with being too matchy-matchy. Mismatched saucers and cups are super charming, and they look very vintage.

Vintage style is all about the character of objects and the feeling and atmosphere they inspire. It’s interesting, nostalgic and charming. So, if you can see yourself living in such an environment, feel free to give it a try.

When it comes to living room decorations, people spend long hours finding the perfect sofa, choosing the colour scheme, and picking the artwork to hang on their walls. Sadly, not many people remember that lighting is equally important, as the living room is the place where you will be spending a lot of time with friends and family, watching TV or just spending some quality time together. We give you several tips that will help you light your living room like a professional interior designer.

Making a choice of the right bathroom vanity in accordance with the size of the bathroom tends to give your bathroom a more organized look and feel. Storage gets easier and stepping into the bathroom no longer give a cluttered feel. You can say, these bathroom vanities work miracles and help you enjoy your bath all the more.

There is a wide range of options available in these. You can choose between not only the different sizes but also the different colors, designs, and styles according to your bathroom space. If you find hunting for these vanities a daunting task, you can conduct an online search.

Different Styles in Bathroom Vanities:

With styles like the traditional and the modern available in the bathroom vanities, you can select according to the décor of your home. This is obviously a big advantage, as you are not required to make any compromises on the style of your home. The modern types have concealed drawers, glossy finishes, and offer cleanliness. For an apt modern look, you can think of choosing a vanity unit of a finish of a white gloss. In case, you wish to have a designer look, then black works out to be an ideal choice.

Traditional vanity units are ideal for those homeowners looking for a classy and elegant look to their bathroom. Most of these units are available with doors of wooden panels, design, which is floor standing and handles more on the decorative side. They are available in natural finishes for the timeless feel. You can opt for these units to add a rustic touch to the total look.

Storage Sorted Out:

Opting for a bathroom vanity keeps your bathroom looking tidy and organized, as most of the nitty-gritty of the bathroom is stored in this. This means, cleaning your bathroom gets much easier. Think of using storage trays for the ultra-small items required in a bathroom. A clean bathroom is anytime more inviting than a bathroom, which is messy and cluttered. Organizing and storing things makes them easier to access.

Bathroom Upgrade:

The smallest of changes made in a home can be considered as renovation or upgrade. Opting for the bathroom vanity is definitely an upgrade, as this has helped in many ways. This is not only appealing but also serves the purpose of storage. Take some time and make the required effort to ensure you make the right choice for a bathroom vanity. In case, you intend opting for a DIY, you can save money. You should have the required knowledge for this. If not, it is advisable to spend a wee bit more and get the vanity fixed by professionals so that it serves the purpose of an upgrade to a tee.

Adding Value to Your Home:

Any changes made in a home for the better tends to add value to a home. A clean bathroom, which functions without any clutter will definitely help in increasing the value of your home. Potential buyers always admire facilities, which make the home more comfortable and better looking. Thus, it alludes them to buy it at the deal price offered by you.

Choosing a Supplier:

This is not like shopping randomly in a mall or local market, as it makes a lot of difference to the looks and feels of a home. Before you start searching for stylish bathroom vanity units, make sure of the size, style, and other requirements. Look for a reputed supplier, who can offer you the different choices in a varied range. So that, you can pick or choose whatever you wish that too within your budget. An online search conducted gives you the freedom to compare the different prices and look for the discounts.

Today, interior design is all about blending modern and vintage and creating a beautiful and eclectic space. However, pulling off that look can be a complicated task, especially in the bathroom. Bathrooms are usually smaller than the rest of our rooms and include a lot of hard materials, sharp edges and features you can’t go without. Luckily, if you’re in love with mixing tradition and modernity, your bathroom can also rock that look with a help of a few well-thought-out design moves.

Classic furniture

If your current bathroom is designed in a contemporary style and you wish to add some vintage charm to it, one of the easiest ways to do so is to use furniture. Mid-century furniture pieces like credenza or vanity cabinets made of full walnut are a perfect addition to every modern bathroom. Another great way to add a touch of vintage is to find a big antique mirror with an elaborate frame. Check out some antique shops or fairs and find a French-style mirror that will break the monotony of your modern bathroom and make a great focal point of the room. You can also rely on materials such as reclaimed wood. It can be used for making everything from shelves to seating while introducing some extra warmth and vintage character to the space.

Image Source: Pictoc.com

Vintage lighting

Ask any interior designer and they will tell you that the proper lighting is one of the easiest ways to introduce vintage elements into your bathroom. Vintage sconces or ceiling fixtures don’t cost much, are easy to install and add some drama and luxury to your space.

If you want your bathroom to be unique and charming, you might want to aim for an eclectic look. An easy way to nail that interior design style is to mix metals. For the longest time, mixing different metals was a big no-no, but now you can install an antique silver chandelier, nickel fixtures and gilded cabinet hardware and they will look perfect together. You can also use unusual materials such as cowhide, sheepskin or petrified wood to add some character to the space. Another great tip when buying decor is to seek out independent vendors since they often have items and materials that will make your bathroom look unique.

Many people aren’t sure about mixing different style fixtures and often pair modern baths with modern faucets and vintage baths with traditional fixtures. However, feel free to install a minimalistic faucet if you own a traditional freestanding bath with ornamental feet. If you also introduce other elements from different eras, they will blend in perfectly. Traditional faucets and sinks can also be paired with modern and minimalist baths. Basically, nothing’s off limits, as long as the space doesn’t feel too cluttered and jumbled.

Not many people think bathroom when someone mentions a fireplace. For the longest time, they have been associated with living rooms and an occasional bedroom, but very rarely with a bathroom. However, if you want to add some warmth, classical luxury and natural elements into your bathroom, you can do that with a fireplace. Today, there are many different gas fireplace designs that don’t involve any trouble with wood and smoke, which makes them perfect for small spaces like bathrooms. However, if your room already has a traditional fireplace, don’t get rid of it just yet. You can turn it into an electrical one quite cheap and keep the traditional look.

So, if you can’t make a decision between tradition and modernity, you don’t have to. You can mix vintage and modern elements and create a bathroom that’s functional, elegant, chic and eclectic.

Contributing Writer, Catherine Collins

Catherine is a passionate home design consultant from Melbourne. She loves making homes beautiful and buildings sustainable, but she also like sharing her advice and knowledge with people. That is why she is also a regular contributor to the Smoothdecorator blog. Besides all this, she loves reading and enjoys a superhero movie from time to time.

With a new year fast approaching, everybody is excited to see what trends the upcoming seasons will bring and what styles will be the most popular. These trends are set by designers and the public alike, and this year is no different, with a mixture of exclusive and homemade, both making the cut into the biggest interior design trends in 2018.

So, what will our living rooms look like, how practical will our kitchens be and what color paints should you be buying for the bathroom walls?

Colours of the year

Leave bright colours in 2017 and make way for a new trend that will focus on elegance rather than fun. Dark, musky undertones and colors that will instantly make you feel glamorous are definitely a great way to elevate the look of your home. But be careful with how you incorporate them because if you go overboard, you risk making your room dark and gloomy. Combine it with some light accents and details to balance out the decor.

Another trend that has been gaining more and more in popularity is pure, Scandinavian white. This shade is usually used on walls with textured accents. It can also be introduced through modern furniture, even though painted pieces will have to take a step back this season. You can combine this two-color trend and paint two walls of your room in a muted color, like a forest dusky green, and the other two in white. This contrast will create an open space feel while at the same time keep the elegance of the muted colors. Combine it with the other big hit of the year:

Brass

A blast from the past, coming back into the spotlight – super shiny brass now can be combined with any interior element you can imagine. From the classic bedside lamps and overhead fixtures, all the way to entire pieces of furniture, brass is making a fantastic comeback. The color goes so well with so many different shades and styles that it can be added to any room, without being overwhelming like silver. And if you want to start brassing up your own home, the first place you should start looking for these items is your local thrift stores, since people massively purged their homes from brass items when they stopped being fashionable. Don’t be afraid to go big and get a full brass bedside table, implement it the room as a theme or just keep it simple with the details.

Recycled materials

The idea of eco-homes, self-sustaining housing options and other eco-friendly options has become quite important lately, but this year recycled materials have taken the spotlight as the main stylistic choices. Decorating a wall with panels of reclaimed wood, or creating furniture from scraps are just some of the ways you can include recycled materials into your home. Think about each thing you bought and then throw it away shortly after getting it. Is there a way to reuse it, could someone else make something new out of it? And if it is completely destroyed, what is the proper way to dispose of it. Thinking green will not only make your home more eco-friendly, but it will also make your furniture more stylish and natural.

Make it cozy

The words of the year are cozy and comfortable, with a lot of people going back to the comfortable days of fine, plush fabrics to cover all of their furniture and make their home warmer. Get on the bandwagon and stock up on decorative pillows, comfortable floor rugs and warm blankets. Small details like those will make you and your guests feel a lot more comfortable and welcome. Be careful: cozy and comfortable is not the same as overcrowded, and having too many comfy things might have an undesired effect.

Remember that trends and styles are not something that you should be strictly sticking to, and they are there to serve as inspiration for you to create something unique. Make your home a reflection of your personal style and let it send a message you want. Get creative and use what you have to remake your home into your favorite style, without having to start over from scratch!

Diana Smith

Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in topics related to home decor and latest DIY Projects. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.

If you feel your kitchen is a bit boring and could use a splash of color, then it’s high time you did something about it. Most kitchens are usually white and sterile, and that doesn’t really fit this busy and friendly space. If you want to introduce some bright and fresh color into your smart kitchen and showcase your lifestyle and personality, you can do so without spending a lot of money and time. Simply follow these tips and tricks, and you’re bound to be satisfied with the results.

Jazz up your lighting

Of course, paint is the main way of adding color to your space, but it isn’t the only one. One simple and inexpensive way to brighten up your smart kitchen is to install colorful pendant lights. You can also freshen up your old pendants by spray-painting them with a fresh coat of vibrant color.

Display some art

Unfortunately, kitchens usually don’t get a lot of artwork even though it’s an easy way to add color and charm to the space. You can always put up some contemporary paintings with modern frames, some posters or family photos. You can also frame some linen if you’re interested in a more traditional look, but a digital frame, for instance, will perfectly fit any modern smart kitchen. You can upload many fun and interesting food and family photos or abstract images.

Make a statement backsplash

Traditional kitchens usually put emphasis on the stove and other appliances, but a fun way to catch the eye and introduce some color into your kitchen is by making a statement backsplash. You can choose from many materials, styles and colors that will suit any kitchen. Not only is a glass or tile backsplash a cool way to freshen up the space, but it’s also super easy to install and clean. You can also make creative patterns with tiles, or opt for tiles in interesting shapes. Hexagon is very trendy right now in both smart and traditional kitchens.

Invest in some colorful appliances and gadgets

If you really want to make a statement, you can invest in some new and bright appliances and gadgets to introduce color into your kitchen. Companies that make appliances are getting more and more creative with the design and color scheme, so you can really find all sorts of shapes and hues. For instance, choose a statement apple red Viking refrigerator or opt for a colorful and futuristic-looking coffee machine that will instantly brighten up the space.

As you can see, refreshing your smart kitchen doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Sometimes, all you need is a couple of statement details, a small splash of color and some greenery to achieve a completely fresh look.

Add color with accessories

Usually, people forget just what an impact the right accessories can have. Accessories are also the easiest and cheapest way to add color and personality to your kitchen. For instance, if you have a sleek metallic microwave and fridge, and monochromatic walls and cabinets, you can spruce up the space with some bright accessories such as colorful linens, bowls or water jugs.

Bring it to life with some greenery

Even though your kitchen is high-tech and full of smart appliances, it doesn’t mean you can’t have any natural elements in it. Bring some energy and color to your kitchen with a plant on your benchtop or windowsill. If you’re not a big flower person, you can plant herbs like basil or mint that will give your kitchen both a fresh smell and some living color. If you have a small kitchen, you can opt for wall-mounted planter boxes instead of big planters. Another simple way to incorporate some color into your kitchen is by displaying fruit. Use colorful bowls and fill them up with your favorite fruit.

With the hectic nature of modern everyday life making a negative, burdening impact on our senses, influencing our personal taste in design with futuristic, cold and depersonalized settings all around, it becomes important to trace back our roots and re-establish a personal connection with elegance.

Surrounding your personal space with timeless historic décor will allow you to have a retreat from the dreary reality of the outside world in the warm, welcoming arms of sophistication. The rich, enchanting and intimate flair of the Victorian Era creates a perfect interior that promotes positivity, creativity, peace and most importantly, your inner serenity.

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Recent Posts: Penguin Blog

Our brand new website is here and it’s the place to go for all things bookish. This means that we won’t be posting any new updates on the Penguin Blog, instead we’ve moved all your favourite articles, interviews, and extracts to http://www.penguin.co.uk and will host all the latest news and exclusive content here. Watch our video below for a look at what you can find there.

Never fear, Penguin Life is here with a series of fabulous talks and events designed to get you to make the most of your 2016 resolutions and live life better whether that’s at home, work or play across the whole year.

You can be happier, healthier and slimmer in just 15 minutes a day with the superb advice from The Feel Good Plan, by celebrity trainer Dalton Wong and health writer Kate Faithfull-Williams. Here’s an extract that shows you how to relax and refocus at work.

It’s the small, everyday things that make a difference and contribute to a happier, more fulfilled life. Writers from The Book of You﻿ have chosen some of their favourite micro-actions that you can easily put into practice for a sunnier, more contented you.